NOTA unfolds like the highlights of the absurd political happenings that Tamil Nadu has been witnessing over the past two to three years. We have a chief minister facing trial installing a proxy to safeguard his position. And Anand Shankar gives us a steady stream of references to contemporary political events – the flex board culture, the propaganda that parties do with their respective channels, the Chennai floods and the sticker controversy, the hospital drama, the resort farce, a Godman trying to remote control the government, and so on.

Sitting chief minister Vinodhan (Nasser), who is facing imprisonment in an illegal assets case, makes his son, Varun (Vijay Deverakonda) the temporary CM until his return. The disinterested young man gradually wakes up to the sorry state of affairs and tries to bring in a change. New CM Varun tries to change the functionary of government officials and party workers. Political drama interlaced with family conspiracies, hospital scenes and resort camp scenes etc. remind us, relatable to Tamilnadu politics. We are supposed to be satisfied with the digs at contemporary politics. In a way, this feels OK in these turbulent times.

The political scenes are the film’s strengths; in fact, its only strengths. Accepting full pledged politician role is a bold step by Vijay Deverakonda. Had he chosen a gripping subject, it would have helped him to reach wider audience out of his forte youth segment. Mehreen role is equivalent to a guest appearance in length. Senior actors Nasser, Satyaraj got lengthy and cakewalk roles. You will like it if you are fond of political thrillers.